TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan is considering a substantial arms purchase from the United States, with a budget ranging from US$7 billion to US$10 billion (around NT$229 billion to NT$327 billion), according to a Reuters report on Tuesday (Feb. 18).
This potential deal aims to bolster Taiwan's defense capabilities and secure the support of the Trump administration, sources said.
According to the Reuters report, three anonymous sources revealed that Taiwan is in discussions with Washington and plans to propose a special defense budget. The focus will prioritize precision munitions, air defense upgrades, command and control systems, reserve force equipment, and anti-drone technology. The arms package will include Coastal Defense Cruise Missiles (CDCM) and rockets for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). One source expressed surprise if the deal falls below US$8 billion.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND, 國防部) declined to comment on the specifics of the arms purchase but emphasized its commitment to defense development. They noted that any weapons and equipment that strengthen military objectives are considered for procurement.
Meanwhile, U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz recently stated his desire to expedite weapons delivery to Taiwan, while the White House did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
Sources also indicated that Taiwan does not perceive U.S. President Donald Trump as seeking a "grand bargain" with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) that would compromise Taiwan's interests. Instead, they suggest Trump's focus lies on semiconductor tariffs.
Despite significant changes in other U.S. diplomatic positions, sources confirmed that Raymond Greene, the director of the American Institute in Taiwan, will remain in his current role.
